On this day, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. At the same time, we demonstrate the power of volunteer service as a way to honor and remember tragedy and triumph, bringing people together in new ways to build stronger, more resilient communities, to celebrate our diversity and work toward a better life for all.
We will always honor and remember every life that was lost on 9/11, and those who helped to rebuild.
We remember again this year on September 11 by flying the flag at half-staff and observing a moment of silence beginning at 7:46 a.m. (CST), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
And as we do so, remember what it means to be Americans – even in a pandemic, we are rich in blessings and freedoms. We need to unite now more than ever, to celebrate our diversity, our heritage and face the many challenges, both at home and abroad, to our nation and our way of life.
Congress passed a joint resolution in December, 2001, and the first Patriot Day was proclaimed in September, 2002, as the 9/11 community – family members, support groups, and nonprofits – looked for ways to honor those whose lives were lost during the terrible attacks while revitalizing the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation after 9/11. Because of their efforts, the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance was established into law by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009.
Remembering together, pausing together, joining together in spirit and in deeds, are respectful ways to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service, and honor those who continue to serve our country today. Patriot Day is a reminder that we all must never stop fighting for a more peaceful and just world.